The two types of structural theories are: functionalist theories and conflict theories. The first meaning that everything you as a person are has been shaped by primary and secondary structures such as, family, church and education; whereas, the second, conflict theories mean that a person has a family and has been educated to contribute to the economy.
I personally believe I am not a structuralist, however, I can understand such theories and I can see they play a small part in building a society. I agree that such structures as family and education can shape an individuals behaviour and influence their actions and maybe even their outlook and thoughts on certain issues.
When referring to conflict theories, I have to say that I disagree with theorists such as Marx, as I do not believe that we are brought into the world to be trained in education just to be workers in a long line of production. I can see that there is conflict in the world on many issues but I do not think that this makes up a society. I strongly believe that the problem with conflict theories is that individual interaction is not taken into account.
Therefore, I think if I had to choose to agree with one type of structural theory I would tend to agree with the thought that we are defined through our interactions as human beings, so this means I would call myself a consensus structuralist.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Monday, 23 August 2010
Identity
I believe that identity is a very apparent thing in today's society as in the last few decades, people have begun to break the mould and try to be different from who they may be expected to be, and be who they want to be. At one point in time, this would have seemed like rebellious behaviour and people probably would have frowned upon it, but nowadays as society is growing and developing, this may just be seen as someone being themselves.
What I mean when I say 'identity' is the appearance and impression someone gets of another person. You could look at it as if there are 2 different typesd of identites: one being an identity you have been born with and therefor cannot change; and the other being identities which people have chosen to be related with to be percieved how they wish.
1. Identities which you are born with could be as obvious as being male or female. Another very strong, apparent identity is nationality. Unfortunately in the past, such a simple identity which nobody can change has led to huge disasters, such as the slavery of black people and the holocaust during WW2. I believe that over time people's views on such delicate issues as racism have really changed due to the development of society. Although there are still racists in the world, the common view is that every human being is equal and identities count for nothing.
2. Also, as society has changed, it has also relaxed and therefore people have started to choose their own identites, but I also believe that, in particular, teenagers sometimes feel they need to take on a different identity to who they really are so they feel like they fit in and do not stand out. I truly think this is an important issue as although people are more confident in being themselves since, say a fifty years ago, some still feel they need to pretend who they are.
As for me, I am happy with my identity and I believe I try not to conform and be someone I do not wish to be. I do not believe in confirming. I am a very sociable person and do not have a group identity, I do not like only one type of music, I do not try to look like anyone else and I do not wish to be anyone else. I am happy with my identity and intend to keep it that way!
What I mean when I say 'identity' is the appearance and impression someone gets of another person. You could look at it as if there are 2 different typesd of identites: one being an identity you have been born with and therefor cannot change; and the other being identities which people have chosen to be related with to be percieved how they wish.
1. Identities which you are born with could be as obvious as being male or female. Another very strong, apparent identity is nationality. Unfortunately in the past, such a simple identity which nobody can change has led to huge disasters, such as the slavery of black people and the holocaust during WW2. I believe that over time people's views on such delicate issues as racism have really changed due to the development of society. Although there are still racists in the world, the common view is that every human being is equal and identities count for nothing.
2. Also, as society has changed, it has also relaxed and therefore people have started to choose their own identites, but I also believe that, in particular, teenagers sometimes feel they need to take on a different identity to who they really are so they feel like they fit in and do not stand out. I truly think this is an important issue as although people are more confident in being themselves since, say a fifty years ago, some still feel they need to pretend who they are.
As for me, I am happy with my identity and I believe I try not to conform and be someone I do not wish to be. I do not believe in confirming. I am a very sociable person and do not have a group identity, I do not like only one type of music, I do not try to look like anyone else and I do not wish to be anyone else. I am happy with my identity and intend to keep it that way!
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